#Suicide is a leading cause of death amongst 13-19-year-olds in our country. #Teenagers are much more impressionable than older adults.
Addressing #mentalhealth – What is copycat #suicide? Here is how to keep your #teenagers safe.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
New Delhi: The country was shaken with the sudden demise of a young star, Sushant Singh Rajput when he committed #suicide about two weeks ago. This incident opened the doors to #mentalhealth conversation in our country.
Very soon after this event, there was news of a 16-year-old boy dying by #suicide in Adarsh Nagar locality in Nayagaon, who was allegedly sad over the death of the actor. #Suicide is a leading cause of death amongst 13-19-year-olds in our country. #Teenagers are much more impressionable than older adults.
In the past too, when a celebrity has passed away, similar events begin to mushroom in the geographic areas close to them.
Copycat #suicide is defined as an emulation of another #suicide that the person attempting #suicide knows about either from local knowledge or due to accounts or depictions of the original #suicide on television and in other media.
In a 1774 novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, the author describes the #suicide of its lead character. After which the young men began to copy the methods of the novel, down to the colour of the clothes of the character. They would often leave the book open at the page of Werther’s death at the site of their deaths. This phenomenon was one of the first instances of copycat suicides.
Why do they occur?
The sensational coverage of leading celebrity deaths by #suicide can often trigger sensitive individuals. They perceive that if larger than life celebrities couldn’t handle the pressure then how can they. Often #teenager stressors, changing neurobiology, substance use, poor family support, domestic abuse and even #socialmedia can have a part to play. A big impact is how media reports and sadly “glorifies” the celebrity suicides.
Who is at risk?
#Teenagers, those abusing substance, coming from broken homes or facing domestic violence; overtly engaged in #socialmedia and technology attempt “copycat” suicides. #Loneliness is a pivotal factor for #suicide.
What are the risk signs to look out for in your #child?
Notice a severe change in behaviour, which is a lot more than the explainable #teenage changes. If the child begins to wear long sleeves on a hot day, they may be harming themselves with small slits on the wrists (self-harm), if their eyes are bloodshot often or odd odours shoot from them, then consider talking to them about substance use.
There could be severe withdrawal from friends and family. If they engage in acts like giving away possessions and closing #socialmedia accounts, these could be alarming.
Other sings may be low mood, crying often, changes in sleep and appetite, falling grades.
Some may engage in reckless behaviour, and even talking about #suicide saying “I wish I were dead.” Take these threats seriously.
How to talk to your #teenager about #suicide?
First things first – talking about #suicide does NOT lead to it. In fact, it opens up the doors to talk about #mentalhealth. Ask your #teenager if there is something you can help with and if not you then would they like to speak to a professional. Tell them you are worried instead of blaming them or shunning them for having such ideas.
What can we do for better #teenage #mentalhealth?
Talk about #mentalhealth and destigmatise it. Just as you don’t judge someone for wanting to go the physician when they have a cough or cold, similarly why do we make an enormous deal for someone wanting to seek help from a #mentalhealthprofessional.
The only way to do this is to have a dialogue with your #children.
Listen. Talk. Don’t judge. Listen.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
